Tent camping options around Waurika, Oklahoma include Waurika Primitive Camping, an undeveloped area providing a free tent camping experience on the shores of Waurika Lake. The free primitive sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with a 14-day stay limit. Additional tent camping can be found at nearby Chandler Creek Campground in Lawton, which offers more developed facilities. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Joe Benton Park at Lake Nocona across the Texas border provides another primitive tent camping option.
Road conditions at Waurika Primitive Camping present challenges for campers, particularly after rain. The dirt and gravel access roads feature significant ruts and holes that require careful navigation. Sites consist of open, mowed areas with some rock fire rings but no designated tent pads. Campers must bring all supplies, including drinking water, as the area has no potable water, toilets, or trash service. The primitive nature requires strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles, with campers responsible for packing out all waste and supplies.
The lakeside location at Waurika offers scenic camping with good water access for kayaking and fishing. The primitive tent sites provide direct lake access without formal boat ramps, making them ideal for small watercraft launches. While weekend crowds can increase, particularly during hunting season, weekdays typically offer more solitude for tent campers. The camping area sits less than a quarter mile from the highway, making it relatively accessible despite the rough roads. A review mentioned, "This is an amazing place with great areas to put kayaks in and enjoy the lake." However, another camper noted the challenging access, stating "The road to the camping spots are absolutely not easy to get to... take it super slow and BE CAREFUL!"
"FCFS FREE
LIMIT 14 DAYS
LNT
This is an amazing place. The sites are less than 1/4 mile from the highway. We didn't travel all the roads in this area since we found our spot right off. "
from $8 - $17 / night
GuideThis is a great little park, lots of room in all the campsites we saw. Really great fishing area! The only drawback was the distance to the bathroom...quite a walk. But I should have checked that before I booked.
TravelerVery nice well kept campground. Staff very nice and professional.
Showers were great!! Hot with lots of pressure!!
ScoutWe ended up there a day after some good rain so the site was a little washed out, but that's nature. #19 is a pretty big spot on the lake. Bring a water hose extension for the hose bib. I caught one tiny fish but look forward to better luck during Labor day.
TravelerWe love this place. Even if it is just a 30 minute drive for us, it is a home away from home. The sites are only electric and water, but dump stations are available. Showers and restrooms are also on site. You can also rent a 1 or 2 person kayak...this is a self service station. The Park Rangers are polite and the gift store has a few supplies as well as gifts. Each RV circle has just 5 spots so you can still relax. If you come here, head to Snookies in Scotland for Sunday Brunch...you wont be disappointed.
TravelerPlentiful campsites with several spots right on the lake! Fairly close rather and no way to book ahead but we definitely enjoyed the location!!
TravelerWater Electric , dump station close by, all rv sites seem to have a picnic table with an awning. Lake is close by, but we could feel a breeze most nights. Slept with windows open, to the sound of a pump jack running, read up about it, very interesting. Bathroom is dated but clean and functional, it's a state park, that is all I want. Nearby is Wichita Falls, we walked to the Falls, decent sized western city with choices for food and shopping. We would stop again.
RangerOverall, I was very well pleased with the whole Park and especially the people. Apparently the management of the RV Park has been recently re-organized. The red rose River Rv Park is now Ardmore Lakes RV resort. The RV service area is still separate with the old version of the name. I was very interested in having some work done on my fifth wheel so I called them about that in advance. I arranged to stay four days and have five solar panels mounted on my RV. That worked out very well. I ended up staying another full week. I have to say the expenses were well worth it, but topped out my budget for the month. Seven nights was $350 even though in December about all of the amenities were shut down. They do have a storm shelter, just in case.
ScoutIt's a good little spot on the edge of town to go eat lunch, do some thinking, or fish for fun. Around the holidays it lights up and is just an all around good place to go for free
TravelerWe pulled in at 10:30 pm but very easy to park in pull through spot. Clean, flat, gravel spots with electric and water. Put $15 in an envelope as required. Will definitely stay here again when we head this way.
Tent camping near Waurika, Oklahoma centers around the Waurika Lake area, which sits at approximately 900 feet elevation in the Cross Timbers region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through August, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Autumn camping coincides with hunting season, which creates increased competition for primitive camping spots throughout the area.
Fishing opportunities: Waurika Lake contains catfish, bass, and crappie, making it popular with anglers seeking uncrowded fishing spots. At Joe Benton Park - Lake Nocona, one camper mentioned "This lake is great for smaller boats like canoes or smaller fishing boats. In recent years it has endured some falling of the lake levels so I would recommend a smaller boat instead of a larger one."
Historical sites: Just across the Texas border, Stonewall Jackson Campground offers educational opportunities beyond camping. One visitor noted, "It's more of a park but with some cool historical reading of Stonewall Jackson. Had a cool time passing by but didn't sleep here."
Wildlife observation: The Waurika area supports diverse wildlife populations, particularly bird species. Tent campers regularly report seeing waterfowl, deer, and small mammals. According to one camper at Waurika Primitive Camping, "There are a lot of Fish, Birds and Clams. So if need be, you won't go hungry if stuck for a period of time."
Water access: Multiple primitive camping areas provide direct water entry points without formal boat ramps. A camper at Waurika Primitive Camping stated, "There is a great area to put the kayaks in and enjoy the lake. If you want to fish I guess you could do it right from the bank and set out in your small boat. No boat ramp."
Reasonable seclusion: Weekday camping offers significantly more solitude than weekends. The sites receive moderate use except during peak summer and hunting seasons. One review mentioned, "I would guess the weekends could be crowded. You might want to rethink hunting season."
Cost-free options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate that Waurika Primitive Camping requires no fees and permits stay durations up to 14 days. This makes the area attractive for extended tent camping stays and those testing equipment before longer trips elsewhere.
Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate quickly after rainfall and remain rutted until maintenance occurs. A visitor at Chandler Creek Campground explained their experience: "The actual campground is a huge grass field, nicely maintained and the pads have a base of grass." This contrasts with Waurika's more challenging terrain.
Facility limitations: Most primitive sites near Waurika lack basic amenities, requiring complete self-sufficiency. A camper noted, "As for the water. Water water everywhere but not a drop to drink. Bring your own water. I don't suggest bathing in the lake but there are no signs saying you can't."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid temperature fluctuations and strong winds, particularly during spring and fall. One camper documented, "We stayed the last week of November into the first week of December. The weather fluctuated but was mostly on the warm side with the exception of a few days in the 40's."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waurika, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waurika, OK is Waurika Primitive Camping with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Waurika, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Waurika, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
